Nearly 200 people braved cold weather and high winds Saturday to get a “sneak peek” of Lindenwood University’s $18 million Spellmann Campus Center, which should open in the fall.

The 112,000 square foot building will be “one of St. Charles County’s finest,” said emcee Ben Blanton, a member of Lindenwood’s board of directors.

The Sneak-A-Peek event featured building tours and commemorative cups as gifts for all who attended, as well as dozens of photographs documenting the building’s construction and numerous floor plans of the building. Many people arrived early for a continental breakfast.

The ceremony was held in what will be the building’s 24-hour computer center. Many braved the cold winds to step out onto the balcony for a view of Harlen C. Hunter Stadium and the rest of the campus.

“It was a tremendous event,” said Lindenwood University President Dennis Spellmann. “I think everyone had a good time despite the weather. We look forward to sunshine and a gentle breeze when we have the grand opening later this year.”

Besides Blanton and Spellmann, speakers Saturday included Lindenwood University board members Duane Flowers, Marty Jacobsen and John Hammond, as well as faculty member Bo Hagan and alumnus Eric Stuhler.